Monastery of Noravank, Armenia: description, history and interesting facts

In this amazing place in Armenia, in the monastery of Noravank, every resident of the country must visit. Here everything breathes history, here it will be interesting for both tourists and pilgrims.

Since the 13th century, many events have taken place at this place, which have entered the spiritual and cultural annals of the Armenian people, and long before the formation of the complex people already lived and Christian churches existed.

Noravank Gorge

The monastery of Noravank in Armenia is located among surreal canyons, and its architecture is no less beautiful than the surrounding landscape. For tourists, this place is interesting to get acquainted with the ancient monastery, its history, and also incredible nature.

The gorge is formed by volcanic emissions. It is a virgin place of nature. It contains a large number of caves and springs. Here is a unique flora and fauna. Rare wild roses grow in the gorge, many species of birds nest, Caucasian leopards live, bat colonies live. The natural zone is protected by the government.

It is interesting that it was in these rocks that the most ancient boot was found, preserved entirely, made, according to scientists, more than 5000 years ago. Since ancient times, Armenians have made strong shoes, they follow this tradition now.

Still these mountains are popular among climbers who enjoy here the conquest of vertical walls.

A fascinating trip to Noravank

There are many ways how to get to the Noravank monastery in Armenia, which is located near the city of Yeghegnadzor. He is also called Amagh Noravank.

Tourists come here on sightseeing buses, and the time for a trip from Yerevan to their car does not take more than an hour and a half. Part of the road, about 8 km, stretches across the gorge, along the riverbed. Here the heart stops with fear and delight, when you pass among steep red rocks and sharp turns. Along the way, there are often amazing places where you want to stop and go out to admire the landscapes.

On the territory of the monastery there is a quiet spiritual atmosphere. The nearest café "Eden" is a 5-minute drive along the road.

History of the complex

The monastery of Noravank in Armenia, located 120 km from Yerevan, owes its history to Bishop Hovhannes, who chose this amazing place for his episcopate in 1205.

Previously, there already existed an ancient church, from which by that time there were only ruins. The name of the complex is translated as "new monastery".

Everyone who visits him feels a special energy and grace of this place, where prayers to God were raised for many centuries.

The next two centuries since its foundation were a period of prosperity and development. The royal dynasty Orbelianov, who ruled at that time, founded her residence here, made the monastery the center of spiritual and cultural life, built a crypt of its own kind here. The monastery had strong ties with Gladzor University and other educational centers of the time.

The role of Noravank in the history of Armenia

The Armenian Church has played an important role in the development of the country's cultural and political life, in the spiritual life of the people. She kept records, many manuscripts were translated and copied in the churches. The ancient monastery of Noravank in Armenia, like many others, is a unique monument of medieval architecture, is a testament to the Christian life of the Armenian people even in ancient times.

Noravank was a real cultural center of Armenia, the best Armenian figures of the Middle Ages, who were subsequently buried there, chose the place for life and creativity. Among them is the outstanding politician and religious scholar Stepanos Orbelian, known for his books, the architect of the Monastery of Momik.

Construction of the monastery

Armenia was attacked by the Mongols in the early 13th century. Once the monastery was rebuilt, it was completely looted. And only thanks to the fact that Prince Elikum Orbelian was able to conclude a truce with Agu Khan, it was a time of relative peace until Timurid's next attack.

Earthquakes and wars repeatedly destroyed churches and architectural structures of the complex, which for centuries were invariably restored.

Buildings and churches of Noravank complex

Here is a small church of Surb-Karapet (St. John the Baptist), which was first built in a monastery. It was built in the twenties of the thirteenth century under Prince Liparite Orbelian. Its dome was destroyed several times because of earthquakes, it stood for a long time in ruins. It is famous for the unusual image of God the Father. Now the church is restored at the expense of the donors. Later, the chapel Surb Grigor (St. Gregory) was added to the church.

During the reign of Prince Burthel in Noravank monastery in Armenia, by 1339 a church-tomb of the Orbelyan family of Surb Astvatsatsin (the Church of the Blessed Virgin) was built.

There are two floors in it, and if you climb up a narrow staircase without a railing to the top, which not everyone is at risk, it will lead to the chapel with the bell. Above the entrance there are beautiful bas-reliefs with images of the Blessed Virgin with the baby and archangels, on the portal of the second floor - with Jesus. It is interesting by its engineering solution: the dome in the form of a cone rests on 12 columns.

Khachkars

Noravank in Armenia is famous for khachkars of extraordinary beauty, some of them were carved by Momik and his disciples. His works are created under the influence of the Gothic and traditions of the Middle East. They are dedicated to the Resurrection of Christ, the Theotokos, the holy martyrs.

Khachkars play a special role in Armenia. This is a kind of iconography on the stone: they are made with the image of St. George for giving courage to the soldiers, and the Virgin Mary with the infant Christ blesses the house and motherhood. In addition, they are also installed as monuments.

The word "khachkars" means in translation "cross" and "stone". They crossed crosses, holy images, and the whole surface was decorated with ornaments and patterns that turned the stone into lace. Skilled carvers have glorified their country, many khachkars are monuments of world significance.

Noravank and Momik

His invaluable contribution to the history and development of the monastery was made by the great artist and architect Momik, who inscribed his name, which means "candle", in the history of Armenia with magnificent works of art.

He was born in Vayots Dzor region. Bishop Stepanos Orbelian drew attention to the talents of Momik and invited him to participate in the works on erecting and decorating the monastery complex. In 2010, the Armenian government decided to create the Momik Museum in Noravank for its 750th anniversary.

Being a disciple of the monk Ovasap, Momik possessed extensive knowledge of religion, he knew the Greek language.

As a result of the works of Momik Armenia in Noravank, artfully carved khachkars, bas-reliefs, sculptures over the vestibule appeared.

He was an architect and an artist of the church of St. Astvatsatsin. Many of his works are stored in Yerevan in Matenadaran.

In Noravank, the memory of Momik was honored by the establishment of khachkars, but his admirers keep it in their hearts - so much beauty he created for his life, working on the creation of the monastic complex in Noravank.

Long ago the stormy life in Noravank had long ceased. Silence and singing of birds are broken by the voices of tourists, pilgrims and restorers. But his uniqueness and beauty, the work and love that the creators invested in him, find a response in the hearts of contemporaries. They continue to visit and admire the Noravank monastery with great interest in Armenia.